Sam Sharpe Square

In 1976 Charles Square in Montego Bay was renamed Sam Sharpe Square in honour of national hero Sam Sharpe who was from Montego Bay. Sharpe was executed in the Montego Bay Market Place on May 23, 1832 for his role in the 1831-32 Emancipation War.

Some 14 whites were killed by armed slave battalions, but more than 200 slaves were killed by troops. Afterwards, more reprisals followed. The government tried, convicted, and hanged many of the leaders, including Sharpe, in 1832.

Samuel Sharpe led the Jamaican Baptist War slave rebellion of 1832(also know as the Christmas Rebellion), which led to the end of legal slavery in Jamaica. He was executed on May 23, 1832 for his role in the rebellion. His last words were, "I would rather die upon yonder gallows, than live in slavery".

Sam Sharpe Square is located in downtown Montego Bay. Spend an hour or two walking the streets, people-watching and stopping in at the Museum of St. James.